Hasnat urges police to uphold oath, warns against ‘new-age Benazirs’

National Citizen Party (NCP) senior joint convener and lawmaker Hasnat Abdullah has urged police personnel not to let the efforts and sacrifices of rank-and-file officers go in vain because of a few ambitious officers whom he described as “new-age Benazirs”.

In a video message posted on his Facebook page, Hasnat referred to former inspector general of police Benazir Ahmed, who faces multiple corruption allegations, while warning against officers whose personal ambitions and political interests could tarnish the image of the entire force.

He made “a clear appeal to our brothers in the police force”, urging them not to carry out unlawful orders from senior officers for their personal gain or political interests.

“Do not become instruments for the personal gain of any ambitious, corrupt, or politically backed senior officer by carrying out their unlawful orders,” he said.

Hasnat said police personnel were not obliged to take any action that violated the law or established rules and regulations.

He reminded them that they had not taken an oath to act against the public, violate citizens’ fundamental rights or participate in extrajudicial killings.

“Their oath is to uphold the Constitution, the law and the security of the people,” he said, adding that serving the political ambitions of individuals or protecting senior officers’ illicit empires and political agendas was not part of their duty.

Hasnat also expressed respect for grassroots police personnel who were working hard, using their intelligence and professionalism to restore public trust in the force, ensure public safety and rebuild the institution.

He urged them to remain vigilant so that the pursuit of power and personal interests by a handful of officers did not undermine their efforts or damage the reputation of the entire police force.